THE 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN: THE PERFECT TRAVEL COMPANION

We recently took a trip up through New York, to East Hampton, Sag Harbor and Montauk. The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan accompanied us every step of the way and made for the perfect travel companion.

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Montauk

The Tiguan is VW's version of a compact, cross-over SUV; seating up to seven people when you fully utilize the the third row seating option. (Although the last row of seats is much smaller in size and probably more kid friendly than adult friendly.) A variety of driving packages make it a fun car to drive. It boasts a 5-inch color touch screen that was useful on our trip as we navigated the long and windy Hamptons' roads. The Tiguan synchs to your Apple iPhone, and mirrors your phone on the dash, allowing you to select your destination from Maps and access other things like your Contacts.  In addition to Apple CarPlay, it also has Android MirrorLink options. You can also opt to display your text messages or have them read to you so that you can keep your eyes safely on the road. 

CHOTTO MATTE: MIAMI

Nikkei Gyoza: pork shrimp and cassava dumplings at Chotto Matte, Miami 

Chotto Matte, the popular Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant with locations in Toronto and in London, has recently opened in Miami.  The sleek, exterior entrance is hidden in the alleyway just behind the 1111 parking garage, off of 16th and Lenox.

Night time bar scene at Chotto Matte, Miami

The dining concept centers around four key areas: the sushi bar, the Robata grill, the Sautee Grill and a Tempura selection.  There are also a variety of Nikkei sharing menus to choose from.  The sharing menus are perfect for first timers, because they help cut through the vast menu selections. They provide you with pre-set options for starters, entrees, and desserts.

Exec Chef Jordan Sclare, has hit it out of the park with dishes like the Tentaculos de Pulpo - a perfectly grilled and tender piece of octopus served alongside a purple potato sauce.  The Nikkei Gyoza are perfectly crispy on the outside with a delicious pork and shrimp blend filling. The lobster tempura is a must have, and easy to share.

The ambiance and decore at Chotto Matte Miami are sure to draw you in. Dim lighting provides for beautiful interiors.  If you opt to dine in the evening, the moonlight fills the main dining area, as it comes through the beautiful and large skylight. In the winter months, the retractable roof can be opened to let in the beautiful Miami breeze.

Chotto Matte is not quiet, by any means, and between the music blaring and the vast menu, you may feel a bit overwhelmed.  Still, the tropical vibe is fun; a great option for a night out when you want to disconnect and people watch.

Last, but not least, and definitely worth a mention is the amazing service. This restaurant boasts the most friendly staff. There was rarely a moment in between plates, and the staff was really welcoming and pleasant.

Tentaculos de Pulpo

Below, are some of my must-have dishes.

MIAMI NEW TIMES BURGER FEST 2018

The first annual Miami New Times Burgerfest is here! This 21+ over event will take place at Soho Studios, in Miami,  on Saturday, July 7, 2018.  It will feature all-you-can-eat burger samplings from Miami's best spots. Restaurants will put a creative spin on their burgers, allowing you to taste and vote on who you think makes the best burger in town.  The event will feature over 20 local South Florida restaurants, and have a cash bar for beer and cocktails.  The fare will not just be limited to beef burgers; guests will also be able to snack on veggie burgers, fried chicken burgers and more. 

Confirmed restaurants include: 

• El Rey de las Fritas
• Yarumaba Restaurant
• Fifi's on the Beach
• Salt Kitchen and Lounge
• JR's Gourmet Burgers

Ticket details:

VIP Tickets: VIP admission starts at 5PM; tickets are $55 and include unlimited burger and drink samples in a VIP area. 

General Admission Tickets: GA entry starts at 6PM; tickets are $30.

The event runs until 9PM. 

Restrictions: must be 21 to attend this event, no infants or babies allowed. 

Follow the link below to purchase your tickets and if you want a special discounted ticket rate, use my online promo code FASHIONABLE to save. 

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

#BurgerFest2018

#Bommia

MALLY BEAUTY MALLYWOOD COLLECTION

When I received this package from Mally with their Mallywood collection, I was really excited. Years ago, when Mally first debuted on QVC, my mom and I would watch her promote her products. She's really fun, vibrant and has so much passion that she pours into her brand. She really stands behind her products, and if any of you have ever tested items from her line, you know why.

The Mallywood spring collection is limited edition and available online at Ulta, and the Mally website. It features:

• highlighting blush ($28)
• smokey mama mascara ($20)
• wazza wazzup ombre highlighting trio ($32)
• limited edition eye shadow palette ($29)

Swatches after the cut: 

NEW IN BECCA COSMETICS

Today, I'm sharing some new stuff from Becca Cosmetics that I've been testing for a few months.  Plus, some of the products are currently 50% off at Sephora. 

Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlight ($38):  I have the shade Prismatic Amethyst. This is the best daytime highlight shade. You can see the shift in tones below;  it's less pink, and has more of a lavender shift with golden undertones.  This is a a subtle highlight however, don't be afraid to pile this product on if you're looking for something more intense, because it layers well.  TFE Pro Tip: wet your brush or spray some Mac Fix +  to use this product as a brow bone highlight or an all-over lid eye shadow lid shade.

In the quick snaps below, I am wearing the under eye brightener and the highlight. I applied the highlight on my cheeks, tip of my nose and cupid's bow. It is a bit difficult to see but it swatches beautifully and is subtle.

Liquid Crystal Glow Gloss (on sale for $11): these glosses are beautiful and lightweight. They come in unique shades, that are not traditional - a good thing. They wear well over lipstick and will provide a pretty holo shift.

Under Eye Brightening Corrector ($32):You must give this a try but understand that it's not an actual under eye concealer. Of all the Becca products I've tested, this is my favorite one. It's an under eye brightener that breathes life back into tired eyes. I know a few brand new mama's that love this, too. It has a tacky feel upon first application, but once you blend it and set it, you won't feel it. I don't apply it directly under the eyes, but a bit lower on the face.

Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush ($34): this is a great product because it is pigmented (like crazy), applies smoothly but most of all, is long wearing. Blush is the first thing to go on me, but this wears well. Dip your brush but then shake off the excess before applying.  This shade below is Camellia.

That wraps up this post on the new Becca products that I have been trying out.  I am also testing out a new product photography method and love how the white background makes the products look.

Disclosure: all products in this post were provided to me by PR.